Public feedback being accepted on new farm and ranch workplace regulations

The provincial government has extended the time for public feedback to be provided on new farm and ranch workplace occupational health and safety regulations.

The public will now have until Feb. 26 — an additional six weeks from the original deadline — to provide input as the government drafts workplace amendments “that reflect the unique nature of farms and ranches,” the Ministry of Labour reported.

Municipalities and other stakeholder groups requested the NDP government provide more time for the public to have their say.

Labour Minister Christina Gray said the new rules would be in place before the spring of 2019, when Albertans will be going to the polls.

The United Conservative Party and Alberta Liberal Party have criticized the NDP government for its handling of the issue, saying the industry still isn’t being heard — even after the outrage expressed over Bill 6 just over two years ago.

Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act, created a furor in the agriculture community when it was passed in Alberta’s Legislature on Dec. 10, 2015. The new rules apply to farm and ranch operations that employ paid workers, not owners or their family members.

Bill 17, the Fair and Family-friendly Workplaces Act, was passed on June 5, 2017. This legislation changed provisions for employment standards and labour relations for waged, non-family farm and ranch workers.

Farmers and ranchers were consulted through technical working groups to help government understand the unique aspects of the industry that need to be accommodated, the province reported.

The public is invited to review the recommendations to improve farm and ranch worker health and safety, which can be found at www.alberta.ca/farm-and-ranch-consultations.aspx.

Stacy Berry, assistant agricultural services manager with Lac Ste. Anne County, said that since the Bill 6 uproar and following the amendments to exclude farm and ranch owners and their families in December 2015, concerns have died down.

But she wants to make sure producers are informed about the new farm and ranch workplace occupational health and safety regulations.

Berry said she will be sending in feedback and encourages others that this is their opportunity to be heard.

After reviewing the new farm safety rules, written comments can be emailed to FarmandRanch@gov.ab.ca.